thinking about the Roman Empire again—specifically, the fine cast of Gladiator II, Ridley Scott’s sequel to his Best Picture-winning 2000 film, which is in theaters now.Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, and Djimon Hounsou aren’t starring in this one, but we do have Paul Mescal playing gladiator Lucius, Pedro Pascal taking on the role of Roman general Marcus Acacius, and Denzel Washington stealing scenes as the ex-slave Macrinus. Plus, up-and-coming actors Joseph Quinn and Fred Hechinger play Emperors Geta and Caracalla, respectively, while Connie Nielsen plays Lucilla, reprising her Gladiator role.Subscribe to our newsletter for your front-row seat to all things entertainment with a sprinkle of everything else queer.“Years after witnessing the death of the revered hero Maximus at the hands of his uncle, Lucius is forced to enter the Colosseum after his home is conquered by the tyrannical Emperors who now lead Rome with an iron fist,” Paramount Pictures teases in a synopsis of the new film.